[Closed] re-treating waterproof jackets

I use old fashioned washing soap for waterproof clothing such as Granny's:

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You have to dissolve it in hot water before adding it to the wash, and it makes the machine foam up lovely!

Boots sell an own brand version, too. And don't use softener.

try not to use any fabric conditioner and go easy on the soap powder as they can sometimes clog up the pores of the jacket.
also sticking it in a tumble drier for at least 30 minutes can help...failing that a warm iron or leave it on the radiator.

It does depend on the fabric.

eVent, apparently should be washed with proper Bio washing powder, but rinsed twice.

<goes for interweb search>

http://www.eventfabrics.com/care_and_maintenance.php

You need to clean previously-used detergent out of your washer by doing a run with soap beforehand.

And I vote for the Nikwax stuff.

After not managing to get hold of proper soap flakes at my local Boots I found some liquid soap flake stuff in Tesco so going to give that a go, previously have just used Halo which seemed OK and then reproofed every couple of washes.

Thanks, but so far you've only covered washing and re-proofing.

I want to know if the breathability can be improved (without cutting holes into it!)

Why don't you look at the [url= http://www.nikwax.co.uk/en-gb/index.php ]Nik Wax site[/url], where they have all the information you've asked for.

is there a 'soapflake' version for the washing machine now? any links? i read that you have to handwash with soapflakes which means its no use to me...

but im spending a fortune on nikwax at the mo - is soapflakes as good same sort of stuff? does it work ok with goretex/windstopper/gore clothing?

The answer is 'no'. You can't improve the breathability, at least you can't make it any better than it originally was. However, the pores that allow it to breath do become clogged which is why washing may improve the breathability above its current level (assuming it's a bit mucky).

re-proofing can make the inside and outside waterproof i.e. making it less breathable

So, washing may help clear it out, or it may make it worse.

May be easier to buy a new coat....

Cheaper to wash it first to see if that works and if not, buy a new one........

unless you are really looking for some justification to buy a new one of course.

I regularly retreat my waterproof jackets with tent reproofing solution. The shoes have been know to be treated as well. Works a treat for me. Detergent is your worst enemy for waterproof stuff. The surfactants used to get the dirt to release from the surface also do a great job of keeping the water proofing off.

There is no way I not of improving breath ability of any given material unless you cut more vents in. You can spend a small fortune on a "breath able" water proof and still suffer boil in the bag issues.

is there a 'soapflake' version for the washing machine now? any links? i read that you have to handwash with soapflakes which means its no use to me...

but im spending a fortune on nikwax at the mo - is soapflakes as good same sort of stuff? does it work ok with goretex/windstopper/gore clothing?

There's a liquid soap flake thing out there that works well, Tesco sell it in some stores. Or make a solution with soap flakes and hot water and use it like that. Works fine for me.

Sometimes if helps to do an occasional wash with proper detergent followed by a double rinse and maybe a soap wash and reproof to remove ingrained dirt - pure soap isn't as effective as modern detergents at cleaning, but modern detergents aren't great with water repellent finishes because the numerous additives - which help it clean better - tend to mask the DWR finish.

re-proofing can make the inside and outside waterproof i.e. making it less breathable

You sure about that? I thought it just basically restored the water-repellent finish making water bead off the surface and effectively making the garment work better as it's not trying to move water outwards into a sodden face fabric.